Boeing Celebrates Delivery of Japan Airlines' First Two 787 Dreamliners

EVERETT, Wash., March 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) today celebrated the delivery of the airline's first two 787 Dreamliners. JAL is the first airline to take delivery of a 787 powered by fuel-efficient General Electric GEnx engines.

"Today is an important moment in our 60-year relationship with Japan Airlines as we celebrate the deliveries of not one, but two Dreamliners," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 787 will provide the fuel-efficient airplane needed to serve Japan Airlines' growing international operations."

The 787 Dreamliner is more efficient to operate and has lower fuel use compared with today's similarly sized airplanes because of use of light weight composites and advancements in systems, engines and aerodynamics.

"JAL will be the first airline to start new routes that have never been flown before by taking full advantage of the efficiencies of this aircraft, starting with Boston service next month and San Diego later this year," said Yoshiharu Ueki, president of Japan Airlines. "The 787 with GEnx engines has the performance economics that JAL is looking for to ensure route profitability, and also the enhanced in-flight comfort that our customers will be delighted with."

Japan Airlines ceremonially took possession of the 787 Dreamliner at a celebration with Japanese Taiko drummers and a dramatic airplane unveiling earlier this morning. Guests from Boeing, Japan Airlines and General Electric attended.

"GE is proud that its GEnx-1B engines will power JAL's Boeing's 787 Dreamliner," said Chuck Nugent, vice president and general manager of the GEnx program at GE Aviation. "The GEnx engine combines advanced technology and material to offer improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and less noise to benefit our operators."

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an all-new airplane featuring a host of technologies that provide exceptional value to airlines and unparalleled levels of comfort to passengers. It is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes, enabling airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the traveling public.